With effect from 5 October 2026, match officials are asked to actively monitor and appropriately sanction players who deliberately drop a knee to the ground immediately prior to making a tackle on a ball carrier.
An increasing trend has been identified where defenders lower themselves by dropping a knee to the ground immediately before contact. This technique presents several significant player welfare risks, including:
– The tackler’s head being rapidly lowered to the knee height of the ball carrier, increasing the risk of head injury.
– The ball carrier making contact with an anchored defender, creating a heightened risk of injury.
– The tackle dynamics causing the ball carrier to flip or become inverted during or after contact.
These actions have resulted in an increase in injuries to both the tackler and the ball carrier. Match officials should be aware of this behaviour and apply the relevant law sanctions where appropriate.
Action Required
To ensure a consistent understanding and application of this guidance across the game, all match officials are asked to review the learning material below as soon as possible.
Please take a few minutes to watch Match Official Micro #1: Knee Drop Tackles on England Rugby Learning. The resource includes video examples, practical guidance, and key law application considerations to support match officials in recognising and managing this tackle technique effectively.
Access the Micro Learning Module here: England Rugby Learning |
